Integrated Sensor Assembly for Airflow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airflow measuring devices require complex configurations and modifications for mounting sensors like intake-air temperature and moisture sensors, leading to different connection forms, complicated wiring arrangements, and significant changes in housing and mounting processes, especially when selecting different sensor types or numbers for each product.
Innovation Solution
An airflow measuring device with a housing that includes a bypass and sub-bypass passage, where sensors such as a flow rate sensor, intake-air temperature sensor, and moisture sensor are integrated with a circuit module, allowing for unified connections and simplified mounting, and are located in a sub-bypass passage to facilitate dust removal and reduce heat interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sensors (flow sensor, moisture sensor, temperature sensor) are equipped in separate passages, then measurement functionality is improved, but connection forms and wiring arrangements become significantly different and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different sensors (flow sensor, moisture sensor, temperature sensor) into a single integrated sensor assembly that is mounted in one unified passage. This merging approach allows all sensors to share common connection forms and wiring arrangements, significantly reducing the complexity of electrical connections while maintaining the ability to measure multiple parameters (air flow rate, moisture content, temperature) simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can detect multiple physical quantities (flow rate, moisture, temperature) within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting passages and different connection forms for each sensor type, as the single sensor assembly handles all measurement functions through unified electrical connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sensors are equipped with different connection forms, then specific measurement requirements are met, but mounting process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors with different measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensor assembly that uses one unified mounting interface. This approach maintains the diverse measurement functions (flow, moisture, temperature sensing) while simplifying the mounting process to a single installation operation, eliminating the need for separate mounting procedures for each sensor type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor configuration is modified for different products, then product-specific requirements are met, but housing configuration and mounting process require large modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different sensor configurations and types within a single integrated structure. This universality allows the same basic housing configuration and mounting process to be used across different products, while the sensor assembly itself can be adjusted or configured to meet specific product requirements without requiring modifications to the housing or mounting procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the mounting process, unifies sensor connections, protects sensors from heat and dust, and allows for easy selection of sensor types and numbers without major housing modifications, enhancing measurement accuracy and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The flow rate sensor is arranged in the sub-bypass passage and configured to generate an electric signal according to a flow rate of air in the duct by performing heat transfer with air passing through the sub-bypass passage
Data Source
AI summary
A housing defines a bypass passage and a sub-bypass passage therein. A bypass passage is configured to draw a part of an air flowing through a duct. The sub-bypass passage branches off the bypass passage and is configured to draw a part of air flowing through the bypass passage. A flow rate sensor is arranged in the sub-bypass passage and configured to generate an electric signal according to a flow rate of air in the duct by performing heat transfer with air passing through the sub-bypass passage. A physical quantity sensor is configured to measure a physical quantity of air in the duct. A sensor assembly is integrally formed with the flow rate sensor, the physical quantity sensor, and a circuit module. The circuit module includes a substrate that is configured to process signals from the flow rate sensor and the physical quantity sensor.